Mum-of-four Steph Bennett knows only too well the importance of life-saving research into heart disease.

Her youngest child, Chloe, was born with a condition which meant the tot was in the operating theatre when just a few hours old, and then underwent open heart surgery within days.

Despite her unfortunate start in life, Chloe is proving to be a bundle of joy for the family, including sister Lola, three, and brothers Max, 12, and 14-year-old Stevie.

Steph said: "She is a big, fat, chubby baby. A lot of heart babies are tiny, skinny dots, and then you have Chloe.

"She isn't crawling yet as she doesn't like laying on her front. Some people have said it may be uncomfortable for her because of her operation.

Chloe's condition will need life-long medical monitoring and, as the British Heart Foundation launches its latest fundraising campaign, Steph hopes to repay the kindness and support the charity has given her and her family over the past seven-and-a-half months.

The 38-year-old will be holding a Wear It Red and Eat Cake party to raise money as part of the BHF’s Wear It, Beat It drive, and to say a special “thank you” to the charity’s south east fundraising volunteer manager Joanne Howe.

Steph, of Taunton Vale, Gravesend, said: “I’ve organised it because of what Chloe went through but also because I wanted to do something back for Jo. She works tirelessly for the BHF as their local fundraiser.

“I originally thought of having something at home but then I decided to make it big and hopefully raise more money.

“Anyone of any age is welcome.

“Just wear red, eat copious amounts of cake, and enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee and a chat while the children play.”

The party will be held at the Riverview Scout Hall in Gateway Parade, Whinfell Way, Gravesend, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturday, February 7.

There will be soft play for under fives, as well as face-painting, glitter tattoos, games and raffle prizes. Entry is £2, will all proceeds going to the BHF.

Chloe suffers from transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and had her first operation at just three hours old, followed by surgery at 19 days.

She will be under hospital care for the rest of her life, with regular echocardiograms at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London.